Road accident deaths decline for 2nd straight year; 366 less deaths in 2024

IN a significant boost to road safety efforts, the state has recorded a decline in road accident fatalities for the second consecutive year.

- UNNIKRISHNAN S @T'Puram

Fatalities dropped from 4,080 in 2023 to 3,714 in 2024, a 9% reduction that saw 366 less deaths, according to data released by the motor vehicle department on Sunday.

For the first time since 2011, keeping aside the Covid lockdown years of 2020 and 2021, the number of annual road accident deaths has fallen below the 4,000 mark. In 2023, there was a 5.5% fatality decline compared to the preceding year. Although December witnessed a few tragic accidents involving children and families, the month recorded only 260 fatalities -- a notable drop of 33% compared to the same period in 2023.